NBA · 1 hour ago

CBS Sports Reveals Way-Too-Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

John Canady

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30) LA Clippers (via OKC): G Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri
Jason Crowe Jr. enters college with a reputation as one of the most polished scorers in his recruiting class. While he may not have ideal NBA size, consistently producing at Missouri would go a long way toward easing those concerns. Elite scoring has a way of attracting attention regardless of measurements.

"I'm betting on his production still garnering attention." — Adam Finkelstein
1) Sacramento Kings: F Tyran Stokes, Kansas
Tyran Stokes enters college as one of the most gifted players in the 2026 recruiting class, bringing a rare blend of power, athleticism, and playmaking ability. His physical tools already look NBA-ready, but the next step is proving he can deliver that same level every night against elite competition. If everything comes together at Kansas, it's easy to see why he's projected to be the first player off the board.

"The key will be his consistency and maturity under some of the brightest lights in college basketball." — Adam Finkelstein
2) New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL): G/F Amari Allen, Alabama
Amari Allen decided to return to Alabama with the expectation of taking on a much larger offensive role. Showing he can consistently create with the ball in his hands would dramatically raise his ceiling as an NBA prospect. That type of development could quickly push him into the conversation for the top few picks.

"If he proves he's a jumbo initiator, then this type of jump may not be impossible." — Adam Finkelstein
3) Houston Rockets (via BKN): G Caleb Holt, Arizona
Caleb Holt brings a strong two-way foundation that should translate well to the next level. His physical frame, defensive mindset, and improving ball skills give him the profile of a dependable NBA wing. A productive freshman season at Arizona could cement him as an early lottery selection.

"He's a good athlete with positional size that translates to the NBA." — Adam Finkelstein
4) Chicago Bulls: G Braylon Mullins, UConn
Braylon Mullins already possesses one of the best shooting strokes in college basketball, but there is still room for his overall game to grow. Continued physical development should make him an even more impactful defender while helping him finish through contact offensively. If that progression happens, UConn could have another lottery pick.

"A knockdown shooter and underrated defender." — Adam Finkelstein
5) Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): C Moteius Krivas, Arizona
Motiejus Krivas has the size and defensive presence that NBA teams are always searching for in a center. While his offensive role may remain fairly simple, protecting the paint and anchoring a defense gives him a high floor. That reliability could make him one of the safest picks in this draft class.

"His high floor and scalable niche could get him picked higher than in most years." — Adam Finkelstein
6) Memphis Grizzlies: F Thomas Haugh, Florida
Thomas Haugh has steadily developed into the versatile jumbo wing every NBA team covets. With a larger role expected for a national title contender, he'll have plenty of opportunities to show he can impact games on both ends of the floor. Another productive season should keep his draft stock climbing.

"Jumbo wings are always in high demand in the NBA." — Adam Finkelstein
7) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Alijah Arenas, USC
Alijah Arenas flashed plenty of offensive upside as a freshman, even if his season came with expected growing pains. A full offseason should help him settle into a bigger role and play with more consistency. If the pieces come together, his shot-making ability could make him one of the draft's biggest risers.

"He'll have a chance to put everything together next year." — Adam Finkelstein
8) Houston Rockets (via PHX): G Jordan Smith, Arkansas
Jordan Smith built a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in high school basketball while combining elite athleticism with impressive defensive tools. If his shot creation continues to improve alongside his perimeter shooting, he'll have the complete package that NBA teams value in a lead guard.

"If the creation grows and the shooting holds up, this two-way guard could continue exceeding expectations." — Adam Finkelstein
9) Washington Wizards: C Patrick Ngongba, Duke
Patrick Ngongba is expected to take on a much larger role in Duke's frontcourt, giving scouts a better look at his offensive game. His passing instincts, rim protection, and ability to finish above the rim already provide an intriguing foundation. If his expanded opportunities translate into production, Washington could land one of the draft's most well-rounded big men.

"The overlap of passing, vertical spacing, and shot-blocking is most intriguing." — Adam Finkelstein
10) Orlando Magic: C Luigi Suigo, Villanova
Luigi Suigo immediately stands out because of his extraordinary size, but his ability to stretch the floor is what makes him especially intriguing. He remains more of a projection than a finished product, making this season at Villanova critical for his long-term outlook. His ceiling is as high as almost anyone in the class.

"A true stretch-five who can make pick-and-pop threes." — Adam Finkelstein
11) Philadelphia 76ers: F Tounde Yessoufou, St. John's
Tounde Yessoufou has already proven he can put points on the board, but his next step is becoming a more complete wing. Improving as a ball-handler, passer, and defender would unlock another level of his game. With his physical tools, that growth could make him a comfortable first-round selection.

"If Yessoufou can keep developing those guard skills... he'll help his draft stock." — Adam Finkelstein
12) Charlotte Hornets (via DAL): F Dame Sarr, Duke
Dame Sarr fits the mold of the modern NBA wing thanks to his defensive versatility and improving perimeter shot. His combination of size, length, and athleticism gives him the potential to guard multiple positions. As his offensive game continues to develop, his value should only rise.

"A budding 3-and-D wing." — Adam Finkelstein
13) Golden State Warriors: G Matthew Able, NC State
Matthew Able didn't fully live up to expectations early in his college career, but he finished strong enough to regain plenty of attention from NBA scouts. A fresh start at North Carolina gives him another opportunity to showcase his scoring ability and athleticism. Consistency will determine whether he can reach lottery status.

"Scouts [will be] closely monitoring his progress this year." — Adam Finkelstein
14) Toronto Raptors: F Cameron Williams, Duke
Cameron Williams possesses the size, athleticism, and raw talent that make him an intriguing long-term prospect. While he may need more time than recent Duke freshmen to make a major impact, the upside is difficult to ignore. His development throughout the season will be closely watched.

"An upside swing with size, skill, and athleticism." — Adam Finkelstein
15) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): F Bruce Branch, BYU
Bruce Branch has the physical profile NBA teams covet, bringing length and versatility on the wing. While he isn't expected to carry an offense as a primary creator, his two-way potential gives him a strong foundation. A productive freshman campaign could firmly establish him as a first-round talent.

"There's wing size, length, skill, and two-way potential here." — Adam Finkelstein
16) Portland Trail Blazers: C Matas Vokietaitis, Texas
Matas Vokietaitis has quietly improved each season, turning himself into an increasingly intriguing NBA prospect. Another leap at Texas could solidify his status as one of the better centers available in the class. Continued development on both ends of the floor will be key.

"If that growth continues... Vokietaitis has a chance to play his way into the first round." — Adam Finkelstein
17) Charlotte Hornets: F Huga Yimga, France
Huga Yimga has already proven he can compete against professionals overseas, making him one of the most intriguing international names to watch. His physicality and versatility allow him to impact multiple positions. A strong season in France could significantly boost his draft stock.

"Maybe the most interesting prospect in international leagues next season." — Adam Finkelstein
18) Memphis Grizzlies (via MIN): C Sayon Keita, North Carolina
Sayon Keita offers everything teams look for in a modern rim-running center, from mobility to elite shot-blocking potential. Adding strength will be one of the biggest priorities as he adjusts to college basketball. If his frame catches up with his athleticism, his ceiling is extremely high.

"Keita has major upside." — Adam Finkelstein
19) Utah Jazz: F Billy Richmond, Arkansas
Billy Richmond already brings elite athleticism and relentless defensive energy to the floor. Becoming a more reliable offensive player would round out his game and remove any doubt about his NBA future. A breakout junior season could lock him into the first round.

"He has a chance to be a first-round lock." — Adam Finkelstein
20) Charlotte Hornets (via MIA): C Malachi Moreno, Kentucky
Malachi Moreno has all the physical traits teams want from a modern center, along with encouraging flashes of offensive skill. Kentucky will give him another opportunity to expand his game and show he can consistently impact both ends of the floor. A significant leap could send him soaring up draft boards.

"We're expecting a major step forward." — Adam Finkelstein
21) Phoenix Suns (via CLE): C Rueben Chinyelu, Florida
Rueben Chinyelu has established himself as one of the nation's toughest defensive big men thanks to his strength, length, and rim protection. While his offensive game is still evolving, his defensive impact alone gives him legitimate NBA value. Teams searching for interior defense will take notice.

"A dominant defender." — Adam Finkelstein
22) Oklahoma City Thunder (via DEN): G Paul McNeil, NC State
Paul McNeil has the kind of shooting ability that immediately translates to the professional level. Becoming stronger and adding more versatility with the ball would make him an even more complete prospect. His elite perimeter shooting already gives him a valuable NBA skill.

"He is a clear NBA-caliber weapon." — Adam Finkelstein
23) Indiana Pacers: G Neoklis Avdalas, NC State
Neoklis Avdalas has long intrigued scouts because of his rare combination of size and playmaking ability. If he rounds out the rest of his game at North Carolina, his stock could rise in a hurry. The tools are already in place for him to become a first-round talent.

"If the creation, shooting, and defense can catch up... he will quickly find himself back in the first-round mix." — Adam Finkelstein
24) Memphis Grizzlies (via LAL): F Juke Harris, Tennessee
Juke Harris built plenty of momentum after an impressive sophomore season and now heads to Tennessee looking to take another step. Maintaining his scoring production while embracing Rick Barnes' defensive system could elevate his all-around game. That combination would strengthen his first-round outlook.

"If the big wing can maintain his scoring prowess... he'll be a first-round pick." — Adam Finkelstein
25) Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): F Baba Oladotun, Maryland
Baba Oladotun is still developing, but his size and athletic upside make him one of the more fascinating freshmen in the country. A late growth spurt has only added to the intrigue surrounding his long-term potential. If his skills continue catching up to his physical gifts, his ceiling is enormous.

"There is a very real upside." — Adam Finkelstein
26) Boston Celtics: C Flory Bidunga, Louisville
Flory Bidunga has already proven he can be an elite defensive presence thanks to his mobility and rim protection. His offensive role may remain simple, but embracing that identity could maximize his NBA value. Louisville will provide another opportunity to showcase those strengths.

"One of the most mobile and versatile frontcourt defenders in the country." — Adam Finkelstein
27) New York Knicks: F Shelton Henderson, Miami
Shelton Henderson finished his freshman year on a high note and now enters his sophomore season with plenty of momentum. His blend of athleticism, length, and physicality gives him intriguing two-way upside. Another leap could make him one of college basketball's biggest breakout stars.

"A major candidate to be one of college basketball's breakout sophomores." — Adam Finkelstein
28) Detroit Pistons: C Moustapha Thiam, Michigan
Moustapha Thiam continues to intrigue evaluators because players with his size and mobility are difficult to find. Transferring to Michigan allows him to develop under a program that recently helped multiple big men elevate their draft stock. If that trend continues, he could finally put everything together.

"The size, mobility, and shooting potential are just too much to give up on." — Adam Finkelstein
29) Oklahoma City Thunder (via SAS): F Ivan Kharchenkov, Arizona
Ivan Kharchenkov already stands out as one of the better perimeter defenders in college basketball thanks to his strength and versatility. The biggest question is whether his offensive game can catch up. If his outside shot becomes more reliable, NBA interest should grow quickly.

"One of the best defensive wings in college basketball." — Adam Finkelstein
30) LA Clippers (via OKC): G Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri
Jason Crowe Jr. enters college with a reputation as one of the most polished scorers in his recruiting class. While he may not have ideal NBA size, consistently producing at Missouri would go a long way toward easing those concerns. Elite scoring has a way of attracting attention regardless of measurements.

"I'm betting on his production still garnering attention." — Adam Finkelstein
1) Sacramento Kings: F Tyran Stokes, Kansas
Tyran Stokes enters college as one of the most gifted players in the 2026 recruiting class, bringing a rare blend of power, athleticism, and playmaking ability. His physical tools already look NBA-ready, but the next step is proving he can deliver that same level every night against elite competition. If everything comes together at Kansas, it's easy to see why he's projected to be the first player off the board.

"The key will be his consistency and maturity under some of the brightest lights in college basketball." — Adam Finkelstein

CBS Sports Reveals Way-Too-Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

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